VOLUNTEER
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. Volunteers are an essential part of our programs and services. Without the dedication of volunteers, we would not be able to accomplish the work we do.
We are currently onboarding volunteers in all areas of the shelter. If you are interested in working alongside us, please fill out the volunteer application here. We check the volunteer applications on Wednesdays and Fridays each week and will reach out via e-mail to schedule an orientation with you.
Volunteer Opportunities
Is there a commitment required to volunteer?
Yes, depending on the volunteer position. We believe it’s essential that all of our volunteers receive complete training to work safely with the animals here. This is why we have each animal care volunteer complete a 2-hour orientation and two 2-hour training shifts. Due to the amount of staff time, we dedicate to training our volunteers, we ask our animal care volunteers to commit to a weekly 2-hour shift for 6 months. Greeters, behavior volunteers, and other positions that work hands-on with the animals also have this requirement. Other opportunities such as housekeeping and volunteering at our events don’t require extra training so they only have the commitment of the shift(s) you sign up for.
We have a variety of volunteer opportunities here. The most common volunteer need we have is for cat, dog, and small animal care, where volunteers are trained to work directly with our adoptable animals. We often also have volunteer opportunities for special events, greeting patrons, office work assistance, and more.
Animal Care
Volunteers in this department provide direct animal care including, cleaning, feeding, walking, and providing enrichment to homeless animals in need.
Shelter Support
To ensure a safe and healthy environment for the animals in our care, we clean and sanitize all bowls, bedding, towels, kennels, and toys daily. While not glamorous, there is a large need for volunteers to help with washing dishes, laundry, and other light housekeeping duties.
vet care
This team helps with a variety of needs in our on-site clinic. A day in the life of the clinic could involve helping to sterilize and wrap surgery packs, transporting animals, helping to monitor patients coming out of anesthesia, and a variety of other tasks as requested by the vet staff.
EVENTS and development
The shelter hosts a variety of events, including: adopt-a-thons, fundraising events, and community outreach opportunities. Volunteer duties vary, depending on the event, but some examples include: event set up/clean up, staffing informational booths, walking in parades, distributing flyers, and selling raffle tickets.
Foster Care
Occasionally animals that would benefit from a home environment arrive at the shelter. Foster program volunteers take these animals into their home and care for them until they are ready to return to the shelter. Visit the Become a Foster page to learn more or to apply to become a foster.